Our research degrees offer the opportunity to work alongside world‑leading academics, access cutting‑edge facilities, and engage deeply with the unique intellectual, cultural, and environmental strengths of Aotearoa New Zealand’s capital city. Whether you want to advance knowledge, shape policy, innovate with industry, or contribute to real-world benefits for your community, you’ll be supported by a university committed to excellence, diversity, and real‑world change.
Explore our research areas and qualifications
We foster multidisciplinary research as well as postgraduate research in single areas, with research qualifications in over 120 subject areas. You can explore our specialist subjects and find more about our experts, qualifications and the school or faculty.
Explore our research areas Explore our postgraduate subjectsApply for a PhD or other doctorate
You can apply for these degrees through our Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR) who support all our doctorate and research Master's students and ensure your experience is a positive one.
Applications are considered in 1 March, 1 July and 1 November each year.
Apply now Contact FGRApply for other postgraduate qualifications
You can apply other postgraduate qualifications—such as an Honours or Master's degree, certificate or diploma—via Pūaha, our student portal.
Check the individual qualification you're interested in to find out when you need to apply.
Apply now Get course adviceScholarships
We offer a wide range of scholarships to help talented research students focus on their studies, access new opportunities, and thrive throughout their postgraduate journey.
Applications for Wellington Doctoral Scholarships close on 1 March, 1 July, and 1 November.
Explore scholarshipsFunding your study
We provide a range of information on fees for domestic and international students and options for financial support while you study if you are a current student, or if you are thinking about coming to study with us.
Learn moreMeet our research students
Hear from students who are part of our vibrant research community. Get a taste of the exciting and worthwhile research they are doing and find out why Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington was their number one choice.
Read their stories
Te Here Tāura Rangahau Faculty of Graduate Research
Our team is here to help make your experience postgraduate research student positive and fulfilling.
Talk to us about enrolling in your doctoral or masters thesis programme, doctoral applications or the doctoral application process, doctoral scholarships, the submission or examination of theses, and learning and development opportunities.